US11583058B2 - Attachment device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an attachment device comprising a first subassembly, comprising a mounting component, a retainer component, coupled to a second subassembly comprising a first rotatable component, a second rotatable component, and a trigger assembly. The mounting component comprises an opening defining at least one slot. The retainer component is coupled to the mounting component defining a first cavity. The spring component, housed in the first cavity, is coupled to the retainer component. The first rotatable component is coupled to the second rotatable component to define a second cavity extending from a first surface of the first rotatable component to a second surface of the second rotatable component. A trigger actuator of the trigger assembly is housed in the second cavity. The first rotatable component defines at least one tab defined to be received within the at least one slot of the mounting component.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to an attachment device, more particularly, to structural configuration of the attachment device configured to be coupled to an electronic device.

BACKGROUND

Wearable electronic devices such as, ring scanners, are typically used in warehouse and logistics environments to scan one-dimensional (1D) or two-dimensional (2D) machine-readable symbols such as barcodes, Data Matrix, etc. Such ring scanners are typically worn on a user's finger. To operate the ring scanner, the user aims the finger attached to the ring scanner towards the intended symbol and actuates the ring scanner by depressing a trigger button provided on the ring scanner with the user's thumb.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments described herein illustrate an attachment device comprising a first subassembly and a second subassembly. The second subassembly pivotally coupled to the first subassembly. The first subassembly comprises a mounting component, a retainer component, and a spring component. The mounting component comprises an opening defining at least one slot. The opening of the mounting component defines an axis for rotation of the first subassembly. The retainer component is coupled to the mounting component defining a first cavity extending from a first surface of the mounting component to a second surface of the mounting component. The first surface of the mounting component is opposite the second surface of the mounting component. The spring component is coupled to the retainer component. The spring component is housed in the first cavity. The second subassembly is defined to rotate about the axis. The second subassembly comprises a first rotatable component, a second rotatable component, and a trigger assembly. The first rotatable component defines at least one tab defined to be received within the at least one slot of the opening of the mounting component of the first subassembly. The second rotatable component is coupled to the first rotatable component. The coupling of the second rotatable component to the first rotatable component defines a second cavity extending from a first surface of the first rotatable component to a second surface of the second rotatable component. The first surface of the first rotatable component is opposite the second surface of the second rotatable component. The trigger assembly is coupled to the second rotatable component. The trigger assembly comprises a trigger actuator being housed in the second cavity.

Various embodiments described herein illustrate an apparatus comprising an attachment device and an electronic device configured to be coupled to the attachment device. The attachment device comprises a first subassembly and a second subassembly. The second subassembly pivotally coupled to the first subassembly. The first subassembly comprises a mounting component, a retainer component, and a spring component. The mounting component comprises an opening defining at least one slot. The opening of the mounting component defines an axis for rotation of the first subassembly. The retainer component is coupled to the mounting component defining a first cavity extending from a first surface of the mounting component to a second surface of the mounting component. The first surface of the mounting component is opposite the second surface of the mounting component. The spring component is coupled to the retainer component. The spring component is housed in the first cavity. The second subassembly is defined to rotate about the axis. The second subassembly comprises a first rotatable component, a second rotatable component, and a trigger assembly. The first rotatable component defines at least one tab defined to be received within the at least one slot of the opening of the mounting component of the first subassembly. The second rotatable component is coupled to the first rotatable component. The coupling of the second rotatable component to the first rotatable component defines a second cavity extending from a first surface of the first rotatable component to a second surface of the second rotatable component. The first surface of the first rotatable component is opposite the second surface of the second rotatable component. The trigger assembly is coupled to the second rotatable component. The trigger assembly comprises a trigger actuator being housed in the second cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein, in which:

FIG.1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus comprising an attachment device and an electronic device, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG.2 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the attachment device, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG.3 exemplarily illustrates a partial sectional view of the attachment device, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG.4 exemplarily illustrates another partial sectional view of the attachment device, according to one or more embodiments described herein; and

FIGS.5-6 exemplarily illustrate sectional views of the attachment device showing two modes of operation of the attachment device, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, these disclosures may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, one or more particular features, structures, or characteristics from one or more embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other embodiments.

The word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,” “optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that a specific component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

Embodiments of the present invention recognize that for a user to be able to switch between right-handed or left-handed operation of a wearable electronic device such as a scanning device, the user has to detach the electronic device from an attachment accessory such as a ring accessory, remove the ring accessory from the user's finger, and then change the orientation of the electronic device. This affects productivity and efficiency of the user and interrupts workflow processes in a work environment. Further, typically, these ring accessories allow rotation of the attached electronic device to only two positions based on preference of a right-handed or a left-handed user.

The present disclosure provides an ergonomic device handling experience to a user using an attachment device disclosed in the present disclosure. The attachment device comprises a first subassembly and a second subassembly that are pivotally coupled to each other such that, when the user wishes to change an orientation of an electronic device configured to be coupled to the attachment device, the user may either rotate the first subassembly or the second subassembly to position the electronic device in a desired scanning/reading position. The first subassembly of the attachment device comprises a mounting component defined to mount the electronic device on the attachment device, a spring component defined to facilitate rotational movement of the first subassembly or the second subassembly, and a retainer component defined to retain the spring component in position. The second subassembly comprises a first rotatable component coupled to a second rotatable component and a trigger assembly. The first rotatable component houses a circuit assembly of the attachment device that is configured to electrically couple with a corresponding circuit assembly of the electronic device to be coupled to the attachment device. The second rotatable component accommodates the trigger assembly comprising a trigger actuator housed in the second rotatable component and a trigger button mounted on the second rotatable component to allow actuation of the electronic device configured to be coupled to the attachment device.

FIG.1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of anapparatus100 comprising anattachment device110 and anelectronic device108, according to one or more embodiments described herein. As used herein, the phrase “attachment device” refers to a device that is configured to accommodate anelectronic device108 and configured to be attached to a user's body part such as a finger, a thumb, a hand, a wrist, an arm, etc. For example, theattachment device110 is configured to electronically couple to anelectronic device108 such as a ring scanner and provide adequate stability when attached to a user's finger. In an embodiment, theelectronic device108 may be any handheld electronic device such as an indicia scanner, a ring scanner, or other relatively small, portable electronic device capable of being carried on a user's finger. In an embodiment, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to theattachment device110 being attached to a user's finger, but may be attached to any other body part of the user such as, a thumb, a hand, a wrist, an arm, etc., without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, theattachment device110 comprises afirst subassembly102 and asecond subassembly104. The structures and elements of thefirst subassembly102 and thesecond subassembly104 is described in detail in conjunction withFIG.2. In an embodiment, thefirst subassembly102 is configured to mount theelectronic device108 to allow coupling of theelectronic device108 to theattachment device110 by using a fastening element (not shown). In an example embodiment, the fastening element may comprise screw holes, bosses, etc., that are used to mate with respective fastening elements (not shown) such as, threaded inserts on theelectronic device108. The electronic coupling of theelectronic device108 to theattachment device110 is described in detail in conjunction withFIG.3.

In an embodiment, thesecond subassembly104 comprises atrigger button106, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG.1. In an embodiment, thetrigger button106 is configured to actuate theelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to theattachment device110, which will be described further in conjunction withFIG.3.

In an example embodiment, a user may mount theelectronic device108 such as, a ring scanner on thefirst subassembly102, which may be actuated by depressing thetrigger button106 positioned on thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110. The user may insert his/her finger through astrap component112 of thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110. For example, a right-handed user may insert index finger of the right hand onto thestrap component112 of thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110 and may actuate theelectronic device108 mounted on thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110 by depressing thetrigger button106 with a thumb of the right hand of the user.

Similar operation may be performed by a left-handed user to operate theelectronic device108 coupled to theattachment device110. For example, if the user wishes to switch theelectronic device108 to the left hand, the user inserts his/her index finger of the left hand onto thestrap component112 of thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110 and may actuate theelectronic device108 mounted on thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110 by depressing thetrigger button106 with a thumb of the left hand of the user. In an embodiment, orientation of theelectronic device108 mounted on thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110 is changed by the user by pulling up thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110 to allow rotation of the mountedelectronic device108 to a desired angle ergonomically comfortable for the left-handed user, the details of which are described in detail in conjunction withFIGS.5-6.

FIG.2 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of theattachment device110, according to one or more embodiments described herein. In an embodiment, theattachment device110 comprises thefirst subassembly102 and thesecond subassembly104. In an embodiment, theattachment device110 is configured in the form of two subassemblies to facilitate rotation of theelectronic device108 such as, a ring scanner, to a desired position. For example, in order to change the orientation of the mountedelectronic device108 either thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110 may be rotated in one direction or thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110 may be rotated in the other direction to position the mountedelectronic device108 in a desired scanning or reading position.

In an embodiment, thefirst subassembly102 comprises a mountingcomponent214. In an embodiment, the mountingcomponent214 may correspond to a top surface of thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110. In an embodiment, the mountingcomponent214 is defined to mount theelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to theattachment device110. As used herein, the phrase “mounting component” refers to a support frame that is defined to accommodate anelectronic device108. For example, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG.1, the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110 is defined to accommodate theelectronic device108 such as, a ring scanner. In an example embodiment, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG.2, the mountingcomponent214 may be rectangular in shape that is defined to accommodate a rectangular shapedelectronic device108. In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the mountingcomponent214 having a rectangular shape, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG.2. In an example embodiment, the shape of the mountingcomponent214 may correspond to other polygons depending on the shape of theelectronic device108 to be coupled to theattachment device110, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, the mountingcomponent214 comprises one or more fastening elements such as, screw holes, bosses, etc., that are defined to couple with corresponding one or more fastening elements (not shown) of theelectronic device108 such as threaded inserts to ensure compact coupling of theelectronic device108 to theattachment device110.

In an embodiment, the mountingcomponent214 comprises anopening274 defining at least oneslot276. As used herein, the term “opening” refers to a cavity in the mountingcomponent214 to allow keying of thesecond subassembly104 through the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102. For example, theopening274 refers to a cavity substantially in the center of the mountingcomponent214 to allow keying of thesecond subassembly104 through the mountingcomponent214. As used herein, the term “slot” refers to a structural mating feature to establish a mating connection with structural mating features defined on a corresponding mating component of thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110. For example, theslots276 refer to four female mating features defined along a circular path of theopening274 of the mountingcomponent214, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG.2. In this example embodiment, theslots276 may mate with corresponding four male mating features defined on the firstrotatable component204, which will be described in detail below with reference to structures of the firstrotatable component204 of thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110. In other embodiments, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the mountingcomponent214 defining fourslots276 that may mate with corresponding four male mating features defined on the firstrotatable component204. In some embodiments, the mountingcomponent214 may define any number ofslots276 that may mate with an equal number of male mating features defined on the firstrotatable component204, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the mountingcomponent214 may define6,8,10, etc.,slots276 that may mate with6,8,10, etc., male mating features defined on the firstrotatable component204, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, theopening274 of the mountingcomponent214 defines anaxis272 for rotation of thefirst subassembly102. In an example embodiment, theaxis272 may correspond to an axis that may pass through theopening274 of the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG.2.

In an embodiment, thefirst subassembly102 further comprises ashim component216. In an embodiment, theshim component216 corresponds to a metal shim configured to provide uniform force distribution of thespring component218 of thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110, thereby reducing wear and tear and absorbing tolerances betweenmating mounting component214 andspring component218 of thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110. In an embodiment, thespring component218 is defined to abut with theshim component216 on asecond surface510 of the mountingcomponent214, corresponding to a bottom surface of the mountingcomponent214, for uniform force distribution of thespring component218. For example, when the user pulls up thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110 to change an orientation of theelectronic device108 mounted on the mountingcomponent214, thespring component218 abuts with theshim component216.

In an embodiment, thefirst subassembly102 comprises thespring component218. As used herein, the phrase “spring component” refers to a compression spring configured to facilitate rotation of thefirst subassembly102 with respect to thesecond subassembly104 to allow change in orientation of theelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to theattachment device110. In an example embodiment, thespring component218 of thefirst subassembly102 is a wave spring.

In an embodiment, thespring component218 is coupled to theretainer component220 of thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110, as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS.3-6. As used herein, the phrase “retainer component” refers to a retaining element that is defined to retain a coupledspring component218 such as, a wave spring in position to allow rotation of thefirst subassembly102 with respect to thesecond subassembly104, thereby facilitating change in orientation of theelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to theattachment device110. In an embodiment, thespring component218 is held in compression by theretainer component220 affixed to the mountingcomponent214. In an example embodiment, theretainer component220 is affixed to the mountingcomponent214 by fastening elements such as screws, engaged in screw holes formed in bosses projecting from an underside of the mountingcomponent214.

In an embodiment, theretainer component220 of thefirst subassembly102 defines a firstannular section278 defining theaxis272. As used herein, the phrase “first annular section” refers to a substantially central section of theretainer component220 that defines a throughhole256. For example, the firstannular section278 of theretainer component220 defines a throughhole256 to allow passage or removal of components of thesecond subassembly104 such as the firstrotatable component204, the secondrotatable component224, acircuit assembly210, etc.

In an embodiment, a firstperipheral surface254 of the firstannular section278 of theretainer component220 of thefirst subassembly102 comprises abend portion268 defined along a substantially semi-circular path on the firstperipheral surface254 of the firstannular section278 of theretainer component220. As used herein, the phrase “peripheral surface” refers to a planar surface of theretainer component220 that is defined along theaxis272 of rotation. For example, the firstperipheral surface254 of theretainer component220 refers to an inner planar surface of theretainer component220 defined along theaxis272 of rotation, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG.2. Further, as used herein, the phrase “bend portion” refers to an elevated section of the firstperipheral surface254 of theretainer component220 such that thebend portion268 of the firstperipheral surface254 of theretainer component220 appears elevated in comparison to the other peripheral surface of theretainer component220 i.e., an outerperipheral surface279 of theretainer component220.

In an embodiment, thesecond subassembly104 is defined to rotate about theaxis272. In an embodiment, thesecond subassembly104 comprises a firstrotatable component204, a secondrotatable component224, and atrigger assembly225. In an embodiment, thesecond subassembly104 further comprises aconnector unit208, a firstadhesive layer206, a secondadhesive layer212, acover component230, astrap pivot component222, and astrap component112.

In an embodiment, thesecond subassembly104 comprises a firstrotatable component204. As used herein, the phrase “first rotatable component” refers to an annular component defining one or more structural mating features defined on arim section215 of the firstrotatable component204 and configured to be coupled with corresponding one or more structural mating features of the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110. In an embodiment, therim section215 corresponding to an outer rim section of the firstrotatable component204 extends from afirst surface211 of a firstperipheral section209 of the firstrotatable component204 to asecond surface213 of the firstperipheral section209 of the firstrotatable component204. In an embodiment, thesecond surface213 corresponds to a top surface of the firstrotatable component204 and the first211 surface corresponds to a bottom surface of the firstrotatable component204. In an example embodiment, the one or more structural mating features of the firstrotatable component204 correspond totabs205 and the one or more structural mating features of the mountingcomponent214 correspond to theslots276. Thetabs205 of the firstrotatable component204 are defined to be keyed in through theslots276 of theopening274 of the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110. In an embodiment, the firstrotatable component204 defines at least onetab205 defined to be received within the at least oneslot276 of theopening274 of the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102, which is further described in detail in conjunction withFIG.3. In an embodiment, thetabs205 are defined on therim section215 of the firstrotatable component204.

In an embodiment, thesecond subassembly104 further comprises acircuit assembly210. In an embodiment, thecircuit assembly210 may correspond to a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly configured to electrically couple theelectronic device108 mounted on the mountingcomponent214 of theattachment device110 to theattachment device110. In an embodiment, thecircuit assembly210 is housed in a second cavity of thesecond subassembly104, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG.5 and as described in further detail in conjunction withFIG.5.

In an embodiment, thesecond subassembly104 further comprises aconnector unit208 coupled to thecircuit assembly210. In an embodiment, theconnector unit208 may correspond to pin connectors such as, pogo 4-pin connectors configured to establish electrical contact with pin connectors (not shown) of theelectronic device108 when theelectronic device108 is coupled to theattachment device110. In an embodiment, theconnector unit208 is defined to extend outwardly through theopening274 of the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102 to electrically couple theattachment device110 to anelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to theattachment device110 via the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102.

In an embodiment, thesecond surface213 of the firstrotatable component204 of thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110 defines acavity207 to house aconnection pad202 in thecavity207. In an embodiment, theconnection pad202 is defined to facilitate insulation of thecircuit assembly210 from a corresponding circuit assembly of theelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to theattachment device110.

In an embodiment, the firstadhesive layer206 is mounted on afirst surface217 of thecircuit assembly210 corresponding to a top surface of thecircuit assembly210. In an embodiment, the firstadhesive layer206 corresponds to a double-sided adhesive tape that is attached to thecircuit assembly210 to mount thecircuit assembly210 to thesecond surface213 of the firstrotatable component204. In an embodiment, a secondadhesive layer212 is mounted on asecond surface219 of thecircuit assembly210 corresponding to a bottom surface of thecircuit assembly210. In an embodiment, the secondadhesive layer212 is a layered material that consists of a polyamide film such as, a Kapton film, a thin rubbery overlay material, and adhesive backing. The secondadhesive layer212 is configured to provide an ingress protection (IP) seal for thecircuit assembly210 and protect thecircuit assembly210 against electrostatic discharge.

In an embodiment, thesecond subassembly104 comprises a secondrotatable component224. As used herein, the phrase “second rotatable component” refers to an annular structured component defining a secondannular section258 with anelevated leg section280 and twoflange sections282 and284 extending from theelevated leg section280, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG.2. In an embodiment, theelevated leg section280 may define a secondperipheral section231 such that afirst surface229 of the secondperipheral section231 of the secondrotatable component224 is defined to mate with thesecond surface213 of the firstperipheral section209 of the firstrotatable component204 via suitable fasteners, such screws, engaged in screw holes formed in bosses projecting from thesecond surface213 of the firstrotatable component204. In an embodiment, thefirst surface229 of the secondperipheral section231 may correspond to a bottom surface of the secondperipheral section231 of the secondrotatable component224. Theelevated leg section280 may define a through hole extending from thefirst surface229 of the secondperipheral section231 of the secondrotatable component224 to asecond surface227 of the secondperipheral section231 of the secondrotatable component224 about theaxis272. In an embodiment, thesecond surface227 of the secondperipheral section231 may correspond to a top surface of the secondperipheral section231 of the secondrotatable component224. In an embodiment, the through hole of theelevated leg section280 of the secondrotatable component224 defines a second cavity in the secondrotatable component224, which is described in further detail in conjunction withFIGS.5 and6.

In an embodiment, afirst flange section282 of the secondrotatable component224 is defined to mate with astrap pivot component222, which is described in further detail in the detailed description below. In an embodiment, asecond flange section284 of the secondrotatable component224 extends into a curved side wall from the secondperipheral section231 of the secondrotatable component224. In an embodiment, the curved side wall is defined to house atrigger assembly225, which is described in further detail in the detailed description below.

In an embodiment, anouter surface262 of theelevated leg section280 of the secondannular section258 of the secondrotatable component224 defines aprotrusion270 configured to restrict rotation of thefirst subassembly102 about theaxis272 in one direction when thebend portion268 on the firstperipheral surface254 of theretainer component220 of thefirst subassembly102 contacts theprotrusion270 on theouter surface262 of theelevated leg section280 of the secondannular section258 of the secondrotatable component224 of thesecond subassembly104, which is described in further detail in conjunction withFIG.4.

In an embodiment, thesecond subassembly104 further comprises thestrap pivot component222. As used herein, the phrase “strap pivot component” refers to a pivot component defined to attach astrap component112 of theattachment device110 to the secondrotatable component224 of theattachment device110. In an embodiment, thestrap component112 may be coupled to a first end of thestrap pivot component222 and thefirst flange section282 of the secondrotatable component224 is coupled to a second end of thestrap pivot component222. In an embodiment, thestrap pivot component222 allows thestrap component112 to be pivoted about thefirst flange section284 of the secondrotatable component224 to allow a user to ergonomically adjust fitting of thestrap component112 on the user's finger. In an embodiment, thestrap component112 of theattachment device110 is made of a suitable material to provide a comfortable secure fit, yet flexible enough to be used for a wide range of ring sizes. In an embodiment, thestrap component112 of theattachment device110 has a design that allows a user to easily insert theattachment device110 onto his or her finger and allows theattachment device110 to be easily removed.

In an embodiment, thesecond subassembly104 further comprises thetrigger assembly225. As used herein, the phrase “trigger assembly” refers to an assembly comprising components of a trigger mechanism configured to actuate theelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110. In an embodiment, thetrigger assembly225 is housed in the second cavity of the secondrotatable component224, which described in further detail in conjunction withFIG.5.

In an embodiment, thetrigger assembly225 comprises atrigger button106 and atrigger actuator226. As used herein, the phrase “trigger button” refers to an electric switch mechanism that is configured to actuate theelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110, when thetrigger button106 may be switched on or off by a user. In an example embodiment, thetrigger button106 may correspond to a push button that the user may push with a thumb of his/her hand when theattachment device110 coupled to theelectronic device108 is inserted onto the user's index finger. Pushing of thetrigger button106 may actuate theelectronic device108 coupled to theattachment device110. In an embodiment, thetrigger button106 is mounted on the curved side wall extending from thesecond flange section284 of the secondrotatable component224 of thesecond subassembly104, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG.2.

In an embodiment, thetrigger actuator226 is electrically coupled to thetrigger button106 using a moldedsheet228, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG.2. In an embodiment, the moldedsheet228 refers to a molded metal sheet configured to ensure electrical connection between thetrigger actuator226 and thetrigger button106. In an embodiment, thetrigger actuator226 comprises an actuation switch that is depressed when thetrigger button106 is depressed or pushed by a user. In an embodiment, the actuation switch of thetrigger actuator226 is electrically coupled to a switch of thecircuit assembly210 to allow actuation of theelectronic device108 coupled to theattachment device110, which is described in further detail in conjunction withFIG.5. In an embodiment, thetrigger actuator226 is housed in the second cavity of thesecond subassembly104, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG.5 and as described in further detail in conjunction withFIG.5.

In an embodiment, thesecond subassembly104 further comprises acover component230. In an embodiment, thecover component230 is defined to cover thefirst surface229 of the secondrotatable component224 of thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110, thereby providing cover and protection to all components of theattachment device110. In an embodiment, thecover component230 may be mounted onto thefirst surface229 of the secondrotatable component224 via fasteners such as screws exemplarily illustrated inFIG.2.

FIG.3 exemplarily illustrates a partial sectional view of theattachment device110, according to one or more embodiments described herein. As exemplarily illustrated inFIG.3, thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110 is pivotally coupled to thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110. For example, the firstrotatable component204 of thesecond subassembly104 is mated with the secondrotatable component224 of thesecond subassembly104. Further, the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102 is mounted on the secondrotatable component224 of thesecond subassembly104. Thetabs205 of the firstrotatable component204 of thesecond subassembly104 are keyed into theslots276 of theopening274 of the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102. Theconnector unit208 of thesecond subassembly104 allows electrical coupling of theattachment device110 to theelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to theattachment device110. If a user wishes to change an orientation of theelectronic device108, the pivotal coupling of thefirst subassembly102 to thesecond subassembly104 allows the rotation of theelectronic device108 about theaxis272 to a desired position. In an embodiment, the pivotal coupling of thefirst subassembly102 to thesecond subassembly104 allows a 360° rotation of theelectronic device108 about theaxis272 to any desired position. Thespring component218 retained by theretainer component220 of thefirst subassembly102 facilitates the rotation of theelectronic device108 about theaxis272 to the desired position. For example, when the user wishes to position theelectronic device108 coupled to theattachment device110 from the user's left hand to the user's right hand, the user may lift the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102 to rotate thefirst subassembly102 in counter-clockwise direction to reorient a scanning head portion of theelectronic device108 to a forward facing position, while thestrap component112 of thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110 is affixed on the user's right hand index finger. Accordingly, to actuate theelectronic device108 for scanning purposes, the user may depress thetrigger button106 mounted on the secondrotatable component224 of thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110 using the user's right-hand thumb.

FIG.4 exemplarily illustrates another partial sectional view of theattachment device110, according to one or more embodiments described herein.FIG.4 exemplarily illustrates thebend portion268 on the firstperipheral surface254 of theretainer component220 of thefirst subassembly102 and theprotrusion270 on theouter surface262 of theelevated leg section280 of the secondannular section258 of the secondrotatable component224 of thesecond subassembly104. In an embodiment, thebend portion268 and theprotrusion270 are defined to restrict rotation of theelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to theattachment device110 about 180 degrees in one direction i.e. counterclockwise direction. Such a restriction in the rotational movement of thefirst subassembly102 or thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110 is envisaged to ensure that a scanning head of theelectronic device108 such as, a ring scanner, does not point directly at the user's eye, thereby protecting the user's eye from light flashes from the scanning head when theelectronic device108 is actuated by depressing thetrigger button106. As is exemplarily illustrated inFIG.4, if the user tries to rotate thefirst subassembly102 or thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110 in clockwise direction, thebend portion268 on the firstperipheral surface254 of theretainer component220 of thefirst subassembly102 prohibits the rotation of the secondrotatable component224 of thesecond subassembly104 when theprotrusion270 on theouter surface262 of theelevated leg section280 of the secondannular section258 of the secondrotatable component224 of thesecond subassembly104 contacts thebend portion268. In other embodiments, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the firstperipheral surface254 of theretainer component220 of thefirst subassembly102 defining thebend portion268 and theouter surface262 of theelevated leg section280 of the secondannular section258 of the secondrotatable component224 of thesecond subassembly104 defining theprotrusion270. In another embodiment, theretainer component220 of thefirst subassembly102 is not limited to defining thebend portion268 and the secondrotatable component224 of thesecond subassembly104 is not limited to defining theprotrusion270, such that thefirst subassembly102 may be rotated with respect to thesecond subassembly104 to allow a 360° rotation of theelectronic device108 with respect to theattachment device110 about theaxis272 to any desired position, as described in detail in conjunction withFIG.3.

FIGS.5-6 exemplarily illustrate sectional views of theattachment device110 showing two modes of operation of theattachment device110, according to one or more embodiments described herein. In an embodiment,FIG.5 exemplarily illustrates a sectional view of theattachment device110 when theattachment device110 is at rest and thetrigger button106 may be depressed to actuate theelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to theattachment device110. In an embodiment,FIG.6 exemplarily illustrates another sectional view of theattachment device110 when a user may change an orientation of theelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to theattachment device110 by either rotating thefirst subassembly102 or thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110 about theaxis272.

In an embodiment,FIG.5 exemplarily illustrates theretainer component220 being coupled to the mountingcomponent214. The coupling of theretainer component220 to the mountingcomponent214 defines afirst cavity504 extending from thefirst surface508 of the mountingcomponent214 to thesecond surface510 of the mountingcomponent214. As exemplarily illustrated inFIG.5, thefirst surface508 of the mountingcomponent214 is opposite thesecond surface510 of the mountingcomponent214. In an embodiment, thespring component218 of thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110 is housed in thefirst cavity504, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG.5.

In an embodiment,FIG.5 exemplarily illustrates the secondrotatable component224 being coupled to the firstrotatable component204 defining asecond cavity506. In an embodiment, thesecond cavity506 extends from afirst surface211 of the firstrotatable component204 to asecond surface227 of the secondrotatable component224. In an embodiment, thefirst surface211 of the firstrotatable component204 is opposite thesecond surface227 of the secondrotatable component224. In an embodiment, thetrigger actuator226 of thetrigger assembly225 is housed in thesecond cavity506 of thesecond subassembly104, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG.5.

In an embodiment, thesecond surface219 of thecircuit assembly210 is defined to mount aswitch502 thereon. In an embodiment, theswitch502 of thecircuit assembly210 may correspond to a dome switch. In an embodiment, thesecond surface219 of thecircuit assembly210 is opposite thetrigger actuator226 housed in thesecond cavity506 of thesecond subassembly104 such that, the switch of thetrigger actuator226 is in contact with theswitch502 of thecircuit assembly210 to provide electrical coupling between thecircuit assembly210 and thetrigger assembly225. In an embodiment, theswitch502 of thecircuit assembly210 is defined to contact the switch of thetrigger actuator226 for trigger activation when a user depresses thetrigger button106 of thetrigger assembly225.

In an embodiment,FIG.6 exemplarily illustrates compression of thespring component218 of thefirst subassembly102 of theattachment device110 when either thefirst subassembly102 or thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110 is pulled and rotated to change an orientation of theelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to theattachment device110. In an embodiment, the at least onetab205 of the firstrotatable component204 of thesecond subassembly104 is defined to retract inwardly through the at least oneslot276 of theopening274 of the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102, in response to the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102 being pulled up, to allow rotation of anelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to theattachment device110 via the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102. In another embodiment, the at least onetab205 of the firstrotatable component204 of thesecond subassembly104 is defined to retract inwardly through the at least oneslot276 of theopening274 of the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102, in response to the secondrotatable component224 of thesecond subassembly104 being pulled down, to allow rotation of anelectronic device108 configured to be coupled to theattachment device110 via the mountingcomponent214 of thefirst subassembly102. In either embodiment, thespring component218 compresses and provided sufficient frictional force to facilitate the rotational movement of thefirst subassembly102 or thesecond subassembly104 of theattachment device110. Once the user has placed theelectronic device108 in a desired position, the user may release thefirst subassembly102 or thesecond subassembly104, thereby releasing the frictional force provided by thecompressed spring component218 and theattachment device110 reconfigures to the mode of operation exemplarily illustrated inFIG.5. Hence, the user may rotate theelectronic device108 to any desired ergonomic position or easily switch between right-handed or left-handed operation of theelectronic device108 with the use of theattachment device110 disclosed herein.

In the specification and figures, typical embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed. The present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of schematics, exemplary, and examples. Insofar as such schematics and examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, each function and/or operation within such schematics or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware thereof.

The various embodiments described above can be combined with one another to provide further embodiments. For example, two or more of example embodiments described above may be combined to, for example, improve the safety of laser printing and reduce the risks associated with laser-related accidents and injuries. These and other changes may be made to the present systems and methods in light of the above detailed description. Accordingly, the disclosure is not limited by the disclosure, but instead its scope is to be determined by the following claims.

Claims (20)

The invention claimed is:

1. An attachment device comprising:

a first subassembly comprising:

a mounting component comprising an opening defining at least one slot, wherein the opening of the mounting component defines an axis for rotation of the first subassembly;

a retainer component coupled to the mounting component defining a first cavity extending from a first surface of the mounting component to a second surface of the mounting component, wherein the first surface of the mounting component is opposite the second surface of the mounting component; and

a spring component coupled to the retainer component, the spring component being housed in the first cavity; and

a second subassembly pivotally coupled to the first subassembly, wherein the second subassembly is defined to rotate about the axis, the second subassembly comprising:

a first rotatable component defining at least one tab defined to be received within the at least one slot of the opening of the mounting component of the first subassembly;

a second rotatable component coupled to the first rotatable component, wherein the coupling of the second rotatable component to the first rotatable component defines a second cavity extending from a first surface of the first rotatable component to a second surface of the second rotatable component, wherein the first surface of the first rotatable component is opposite the second surface of the second rotatable component; and

a trigger assembly coupled to the second rotatable component, wherein the trigger assembly comprises a trigger actuator being housed in the second cavity.

2. The attachment device ofclaim 1, wherein the mounting component of the first subassembly is defined to mount an electronic device configured to be coupled to the attachment device.

3. The attachment device ofclaim 1, wherein the trigger assembly of the second subassembly is configured to actuate an electronic device configured to be coupled to the attachment device via the mounting component of the first subassembly.

4. The attachment device ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a circuit assembly housed in the second cavity of the second subassembly; and

a connector unit coupled to the circuit assembly, wherein the connector unit is defined to extend outwardly through the opening of the mounting component of the first subassembly to electrically couple the attachment device to an electronic device configured to be coupled to the attachment device via the mounting component of the first subassembly.

5. The attachment device ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one tab of the first rotatable component of the second subassembly is defined to retract inwardly through the at least one slot of the opening of the mounting component of the first subassembly, in response to the mounting component of the first subassembly being pulled up or the second rotatable component of the second subassembly being pulled down, to allow rotation of an electronic device configured to be coupled to the attachment device via the mounting component of the first subassembly.

6. The attachment device ofclaim 1, wherein the retainer component of the first subassembly defines a first annular section defining the axis, and wherein a first peripheral surface of the first annular section of the retainer component of the first subassembly comprises a bend portion defined along a substantially semi-circular path on the first peripheral surface of the first annular section of the retainer component.

7. The attachment device ofclaim 6, wherein the second rotatable component of the second subassembly defines a second annular section defining the axis extending from a second peripheral surface of the second rotatable component, wherein an outer surface of the second annular section of the second rotatable component defines a protrusion configured to restrict rotation of the first subassembly about the axis in one direction when the bend portion on the first peripheral surface of the retainer component of the first subassembly contacts the protrusion on the outer surface of the second annular section of the second rotatable component of the second subassembly.

8. The attachment device ofclaim 1, wherein the spring component of the first subassembly is a wave spring.

9. The attachment device ofclaim 1, wherein the trigger assembly of the second subassembly comprises:

a trigger button mounted on the second surface of the second rotatable component of the second subassembly; and

the trigger actuator electrically coupled to the trigger button.

10. The attachment device ofclaim 9, further comprising:

a circuit assembly housed in the second cavity of the second subassembly, wherein a surface of the circuit assembly is defined to mount a switch thereon, wherein the surface of the circuit assembly is opposite the trigger actuator housed in the second cavity of the second subassembly, and wherein the switch is defined to contact the trigger actuator for trigger activation when a user depresses the trigger button.

11. An apparatus comprising:

an attachment device comprising:

a first subassembly comprising:

a mounting component comprising an opening defining at least one slot, wherein the opening of the mounting component defines an axis for rotation of the first subassembly;

a retainer component coupled to the mounting component defining a first cavity extending from a first surface of the mounting component to a second surface of the mounting component, wherein the first surface of the mounting component is opposite the second surface of the mounting component; and

a spring component coupled to the retainer component, the spring component being housed in the first cavity; and

a second subassembly pivotally coupled to the first subassembly, wherein the second subassembly is defined to rotate about the axis, the second subassembly comprising:

a first rotatable component defining at least one tab defined to be received within the at least one slot of the opening of the mounting component of the first subassembly;

a second rotatable component coupled to the first rotatable component, wherein the coupling of the second rotatable component to the first rotatable component defines a second cavity extending from a first surface of the first rotatable component to a second surface of the second rotatable component, wherein the first surface of the first rotatable component is opposite the second surface of the second rotatable component; and

a trigger assembly coupled to the second rotatable component, wherein the trigger assembly comprises a trigger actuator being housed in the second cavity; and an electronic device configured to be coupled to the attachment device.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the mounting component of the first subassembly of the attachment device is defined to mount the electronic device.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the trigger assembly of the second subassembly of the attachment device is configured to actuate the electronic device.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the attachment device further comprises:

a circuit assembly housed in the second cavity of the second subassembly, and

a connector unit coupled to the circuit assembly, wherein the connector unit is defined to extend outwardly through the opening of the mounting component of the first subassembly to electrically couple the attachment device to the electronic device.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the at least one tab of the first rotatable component of the second subassembly of the attachment device is defined to retract inwardly through the at least one slot of the opening of the mounting component of the first subassembly of the attachment device, in response to the mounting component of the first subassembly being pulled up or the second rotatable component of the second subassembly being pulled down, to allow rotation of the electronic device.

16. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the retainer component of the first subassembly defines a first annular section defining the axis, and wherein a first peripheral surface of the first annular section of the retainer component of the first subassembly of the attachment device comprises a bend portion defined along a substantially semi-circular path on the first peripheral surface of the first annular section of the retainer component.

17. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the second rotatable component of the second subassembly of the attachment device defines a second annular section defining the axis extending from a second peripheral surface of the second rotatable component, wherein an outer surface of the second annular section of the second rotatable component defines a protrusion configured to restrict rotation of the first subassembly of the attachment device about the axis in one direction when the bend portion on the first peripheral surface of the retainer component of the first subassembly contacts the protrusion on the outer surface of the second annular section of the second rotatable component of the second subassembly.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the spring component of the first subassembly of the attachment device is a wave spring.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the trigger assembly of the second subassembly of the attachment device comprises:

a trigger button mounted on the second surface of the second rotatable component of the second subassembly; and

a trigger actuator electrically coupled to the trigger button.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 19, further comprising:

a circuit assembly housed in the second cavity of the second subassembly of the attachment device, wherein a surface of the circuit assembly is defined to mount a switch thereon, wherein the surface of the circuit assembly is opposite the trigger actuator housed in the second cavity of the second subassembly of the attachment device, and wherein the switch is defined to contact the trigger actuator for trigger activation when a user depresses the trigger button.

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